MOSCOW - Russia has decided to ban livestock import from the European Union starting on March 20, the agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Friday.

According to Rosselkhoznadzor, the temporary ban is imposed on cattle and pigs import from the EU due to the outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus and the bluetongue in the European farms.

It said another reason for the ban is that Russia has not received any safety guarantees from the EU until now.

The watchdog added it has invited representatives of the European Commission to discuss the livestock and cattle feeding safety.

In February, Russia sent back to the EU suppliers 634 pigs due to absence of safety certificates.